Emergency services were called to the Crowther Industrial Estate in Washington on the afternoon of Friday, July 31. Flames and thick plumes of smoke were visible for miles, with 999 calls pouring in from drivers on the A1 and other major roads. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said they sent eight fire engines to the scene. Firefighters in Washington extinguishing the flames on Friday (Image: Ryan Atkinson/CAMERA CLUB)At the time, the scene was cordoned off by police while firefighters tackled the flames. Another resident said that smoke was visible as far away as Durham.